Illegal Zama-Zama mining in Ekurhuleni poses a threat to the safety of residents

Note to Editors: Please find the attached soundbite by Haseena Ismail, the DA Constituency Head in Benoni.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will petition the Portfolio Committee of Mineral Resources and Energy, SAPS, Home Affairs and the Portfolio Committee of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries to work together and address the continuous illegal mining activities by Zama-Zamas in Ekurhuleni.

The illegal mining activities are causing huge tremors, damaging infrastructure which chases away businesses and puts the lives and assets of residents at risk.

Businesses operating close to the illegal mines are suffering the consequences and losing business.

There are explosions experienced multiple times in a day, causing fear among residents for their safety. There are also gunfights between rival gangs.

The risk also falls on the illegal miners themselves as there are no safety measures, many bodies have been found buried underground or left on the side of the road.

There is an environmental risk as the nearby areas are starting to develop sinkholes due to the unregulated digging and explosions.

The Zama-Zamas have also blocked the river which feeds Bronkhorstspruit and broken sewerage lines causing it to flow into the river leading to pollution of the water.

Several provincial roads have been closed due to the illegal blasting that has caused it to collapse at many sections of the road.

The local SAPS, EMPD and security companies simply do not have the manpower to deal with this and it needs urgent and swift intervention from National Government.

The DA has launched a petition calling on the Portfolio Committee of Mineral Resources and Energy, SAPS, Home Affairs and the Portfolio Committee of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries to work together to put an end to these illegal activities.

Sign the petition here: https://petitions.da.org.za/p/address-Zama-Zamas-illegal-mining